How to Optimize YouTube Video Descriptions

All parts of your YouTube video should be optimized to get the most from each video. YouTube videos are all about good content + discoverability, after all. YouTube is owned by Google, the King of Search. YouTube videos can be found (via search) on YouTube itself and through Google search.

What Makes Up a Good YouTube Video Description

A direct link back to your site, preferably to a page or blog post that speaks directly to what’s being taught in the video (instead of merely your home page)

A keyword-rich text section that tells a viewer, at a glance, what is being discussed in the video

A general text section that names the company and what you are all about

Social media platform names with links to each profile

For longer videos, time stamps are also helpful because it calls out the important points discussed in the video and saves frustration on the viewer’s part so a viewer can easily scroll to the portion of your video they really want to hear

A strong and useful video description is fairly lengthy overall. Also, you’ll find that proper optimization incorporates a lot of SEO best practices.

Clearly the very best approach to a strong YouTube video description for your videos will somewhat depend on your industry. Here are a few examples of great YouTube video descriptions.

Derral Eves

Derral Eves is the master of YouTube video optimization. His video descriptions are so long they’d take 3 screen scrolls’ worth of screen shots to capture 1 in its entirety. Here’s the top third of the video description for this video. Click through to check it out for yourself.

Countertop Epoxy

Countertop Epoxy offers tons of homeowner DIY tutorials on their channel. This video description is a great example of time stamps in use. You’ll also notice that time stamps in YouTube video descriptions are clickable and when clicked, it forwards the video to that exact minute and second.

Eli Rose Social Media

This video that calls out 6 specific tips was a good candidate for time stamps. Remember, the nature of your videos, your industry, and each video’s length will impact, to some degree, the optimal video description.

Liz is a marketer, social media & online marketing consultant, speaker and mom. Originally from Chicago and currently living in the land of Dixie, she relishes in the flavor of fried pickles and BBQ, but longs for deep dish and a proper Chicago dog.